The Museo de la ‘ndrangheta, located in the small town of Polistena in the Calabria region of Italy, is not your typical museum. It is not filled with ancient artifacts or famous artworks, but rather with a powerful message of anti-mafia culture. And behind this museum is the visionary claudio La camera, an anthropologist and director of theater, who is using his talents to bring about positive change in his community.
La camera’s journey towards creating the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta began when he was researching the phenomenon of ‘ndrangheta, a powerful and secretive mafia organization that originated in Calabria. He came across a shocking discovery – the ‘ndrangheta was not just a criminal organization, but a deeply ingrained cultural phenomenon that had seeped into the daily lives of the people in Calabria. From this realization, La camera was determined to use his expertise in anthropology and theater to combat the influence of the mafia in his community.
One of the ways La camera is achieving this is through his innovative use of theater. He has created a series of plays that are based on real-life stories of individuals who have been affected by the ‘ndrangheta. These plays, performed by local actors, are not only entertaining but also serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness and educating the public about the dangers of mafia culture. Through these plays, La camera is able to start important conversations about the ‘ndrangheta and its impact on society.
But La camera’s efforts do not stop there. He is also using his expertise in anthropology to create a unique and immersive experience at the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta. Visitors are taken on a journey through the history of the ‘ndrangheta, from its origins to its current state. The museum is filled with interactive exhibits, videos, and artifacts that shed light on the inner workings of the mafia organization. Visitors are also given the opportunity to learn about the efforts being made to combat the ‘ndrangheta and the importance of anti-mafia culture.
One of the most powerful exhibits at the museum is the section on “fatture false” or false invoices. This is a common tactic used by the ‘ndrangheta to launder money and evade taxes. La camera, through his research, has uncovered the shocking extent of this practice and has included it in the museum to educate visitors on the economic impact of mafia activities. By highlighting the negative consequences of mafia culture, La camera hopes to discourage individuals from getting involved with the ‘ndrangheta and to inspire a sense of responsibility in the community to fight against it.
The Museo de la ‘ndrangheta has been a huge success, with visitors coming from all over Italy and the world to experience it. La camera’s innovative approach to tackling the influence of the mafia has been praised by many, including the Italian government. His efforts have also been recognized by the European Union, which awarded him the European Citizen’s Prize in 2019 for his contribution to promoting European values.
But for La camera, the true success of the museum lies in the positive impact it has had on the local community. The museum has become a source of pride for the people of Polistena, who are now actively involved in the fight against the ‘ndrangheta. The museum has also become a symbol of hope and a reminder that change is possible, even in the face of deeply entrenched cultural practices.
In conclusion, the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta and its director, claudio La camera, are shining examples of the power of art and culture to bring about positive change. Through his innovative use of theater and anthropology, La camera has created a unique and impactful experience that is not only educating the public about the dangers of mafia culture but also inspiring action against it. The Museo de la ‘ndrangheta is not just a museum, but a symbol of hope and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.